Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Location: Ylang Ylang is cultivated in the Comoros, Java, Madagascar, the Philippines, Reunion and Sumatra.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the flower petals.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is clear with a hint of yellow. It has an intensely sweet and heady scent with an exotic quality.
Description: The Ylang Ylang tree grows to a height of 7.5-18 metres. The flowers are deep yellow in colour with thick petals. These are picked early in the morning for distillation to obtain the essential oil. "Ylang Ylang" is a Malay word meaning "flowers of flowers"
Background: The flowers were used by the native women in Indonesia to perfume their hair. Ylang is often mixed with coconut oil; this concoction was sold as the famous "Makassar" hair oil during the Victorian era. The flowers are also spread on the beds of Indonesian newlyweds on their wedding night.
Properties: Evocative, euphoric, sedative, hypotensive and aphrodisiac.
Uses
Respiratory System-Excellent for slowing down abnormally rapid breathing.
Nervous System-Indicated for stress-related disorders.
Skin- Has a soothing effect and is especially good for the face and for oily skin types. Ylang can balance the secretion of sebum.
Emotion- Pacifies the mind can help dispel stubbornness and anger.
